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Online gallery
As our understanding of the Sun and its place in the universe has changed, we have been forced to reconsider our own place in the universe.
To determine the size of the Sun you need to know how far away it is. For over 2000 years, people have used mathematics to try and solve this...
Looking at the Sun is extremely dangerous. Scientists have used a range of techniques to observe the Sun safely.
In order to understand how the Sun produces heat and light, we had to find out what it was made of.
The Sun is the main source of light and heat on Earth. It provides energy for almost every living thing and drives our weather and climate.
Solar Story: understanding the Sun
This exhibition has now closed.
Exhibition dates: 16 January–11 May 2010
Location: ROG Astronomy Centre
An exhibition of striking images telling the story of our attempts to understand the nature of the Sun and its effects on Earth. From early observations, via key work carried out at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and on to the latest discoveries from NASA's fleet of spacecraft, this exhibition investigates changing answers to questions about the size, structure, life-cycle and energy source of our nearest star, on which all life on Earth depends.
Solar Stormwatch
Solar scientists need you!
Help them spot explosions on the Sun and track them across space to Earth. Your work will give astronauts an early warning if dangerous solar radiation is headed their way. And you could make a new scientific discovery.
Get involved at the Solar Stormwatch website
NASA's STEREO mission
NASA's STEREO Mission from Royal Observatory Greenwich on Vimeo.
NASA's STEREO mission is an international project involving scientists from the UK. Twin spacecraft are orbiting the Sun, with one moving ahead of the Earth and one moving behind it. By combining the images taken from these two positions, Scientists can create 3D views of solar activity. The last part of this film is in 3D. To see the Sun as STEREO does, you will need to wear red-cyan 3D glasses.
Adapted from film by NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio.